Thumbs Up for Hankook Ventus S1 evo in European Tyre Tests

Our neighbours on the Continent are prone to heed the advice of consumer tests than the average shopper in the UK, and tyre tests there are eagerly awaited and the recommendations often acted upon. Therefore a good result is essential for any manufacturer wishing for strong sales in Europe. Hankook reports that its Ventus S1 evo has performed well in the current summer tyre test published by the German automotive magazine Gute Fahrt (issue 03/2010). The VW and Audi focused magazine rated the Ventus S1 evo as one of only two tyres to be “Very Good”.

Tests were carried out using a VW Gold 2.0 TDI fitted with size 205/55 R 16 V/W tyres. The Hankook flagship outperformed its 10 competitors in the “breaking on wet” category, and achieved “Very Good” ratings in the “braking on dry roads“, “wet and dry handling” and “comfort and noise” categories. Furthermore, notes Hankook, the Ventus S1 evo also earns good marks in the ecological relevant rolling resistance category.

This latest test joins positive test results from the German Automotive Club ADAC and its European test partners, who recommended the Hankook Ventus S1 evo in their current summer tyre test (ADAC issue 3/2010). This year, size 225/45 R 17 W/Y tyres were tested on an Audi A3. Hankook makes particular note of the S1 evo’s low abrasion, which was – often significantly – lower than other tested top brands. As one of only two out of 12 tyres recommended by the ADAC, the Hankook tyres was given a pat on the back for its high mileage and low fuel consumption.

“Nowadays, good tyres also have to convince in ecological aspects. Consequently and beside very good driving performance our customers expect a high mileage and a low rolling resistance,” said Jin-Wook Choi, Hankook Tire Executive Vice-President and COO in Europe. “Being a modern tyre, our Ventus S1 evo unifies – like only a few other products on the market – a very good driving performances with up to date ecological qualities and therefore it is the prime example for our developmental and engineering philosophy Kontrol-Technology. That’s why it is used by leading car manufacturers like for example Audi as original equipment.”

The Hankook Ventus S1 evo is available in about 70 different dimensions, ranging from 16 to 22 inch (series 55 to 25) at tread sizes from 195 to 345 mm, primarily as extra load (XL) versions. There is also a series of ZR marked popular sizes for speeds of more than 300 km/h. In addition, the S1 evo range is partially equipped with the Hankook run flat system (HRS) for extended emergency capabilities.